Bill of Rights Institute names 10 finalists for National Civics Teacher of the Year

The Bill of Rights Institute has selected 10 civics teachers from nine states as finalists for its 2026-2027 National Civics Teacher of the Year Award. The winner will receive $5,000 and be announced in October, while each finalist gets a $1,000 prize.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights civics teachers who help students understand American government, civic responsibility, and self-government. - The finalists represent nine states and a range of schools, from elementary to high school. - The winner will receive a $5,000 prize, underscoring the national recognition attached to the honor.

What happened: - The Bill of Rights Institute selected 10 finalists for its National Civics Teacher of the Year Award for the 2026-2027 school year. - The finalists were chosen after a nationwide search that invited nominations from fellow teachers, students, parents, and community members. - The award announcement is scheduled for October.

The details: - Each finalist has already received a $1,000 prize. - Finalists are Alishia Gaston Stack of Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia; Christopher Klugman of BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona; Jaimee Martin of West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; Jordan Gray of Benjamin Syms Middle School in Hampton, Virginia; Katie Boland of Trumbull High School in Trumbull, Connecticut; Lawtnee Frazier of Quail Hollow Middle School in Charlotte, North Carolina; Monica Brown of Oakshire Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee; Patricia Wyskowski of Bayonne High School in Bayonne, New Jersey; Rachel Morrison of Goochland High School in Goochland, Virginia; and Seth Harris of Shaker Middle School in Latham, New York. - Nominees submitted essays on how they help students understand and practice the ideals of a free and just society. - The Bill of Rights Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides classroom resources and educational programs focused on American history and civics.

Between the lines: - The award is designed to elevate civics instruction as schools and communities face continued debate over how to teach history, government, and civic participation. - President and CEO David Bobb said the honorees should help inspire conversations about the role civics teachers play in preparing students for shared civic life. - Bobb said the teachers are helping students learn founding principles and build the virtues and skills needed to sustain them.

What's next: - The Bill of Rights Institute will name the National Civics Teacher of the Year in October. - The winner will receive the $5,000 top prize. - More information is available at the Bill of Rights Institute.